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Ford Flex spied curbside

A reader Brandon sent in the shots you see here, which show that the Ford Flex is coming along fine. Parked curbside, this particular Flex is fully undisguised, but for reasons known only to Ford, it's not sporting its Flex badges. Yes, it's not scheduled to show up until next year as an '09 model, but still, we don't understand why automakers play coy like this with stuff they've already revealed. After all, the Flex was officially introduced in April at the New York Auto Show. Just badge these development rides all the way and get people on the street talking, already.

Anyway, the Flex snagged on the street looks just like what we eyeballed in NY. This one appears to be a model below the "Limited" trim, as it's got regular-looking wheels and a body-color rear gate and roof. The big Ford crossover will do battle with high-capacity people movers like the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, and Buick Enclave from GM when it finally shows up at dealerships.

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Anonymous

Anonymous

8 Years Ago

Ford now SIX SUVs (okay, some of them are more wagons than SUVs)--Escape, Edge, Taurus X, Explorer, and Expedition. Ford needs to stop pouring so much money into these road hogs and to start investing in the development of a Focus replacement for the American market.

Anonymous

Anonymous

8 Years Ago

Now, to be fair, a Focus wagon would be safer (in the "rollover and accident avoidance" sense of the word) than any of the SUVs, while carrying more than the Escape or (possibly) the Edge. Build a Focus wagon on the newer platform, and it's probably about as safe as it's larger brethren overall.

Remember, while "normal" collisions are more common, rollovers and skids are more often fatal, and taller vehicles do kill more people per their percentage of collisions than smaller, lower ones do.

I like this, and I like the Edge, too. I'd still prefer an updated Focus wagon (or a Fusion wagon!) over either.

Anonymous

Anonymous

8 Years Ago

Good or bad, I think this will sell. People do not want want generic styling anymore. Ford took a bit of a chance on this (the same way Toyota did with the xB). It looks different enough from the mainstream (except the xB) and is similar enough to a Range Rover that people *will* clamor to get into this. And for those who think Ford should not be putting so much into SUVs, in case you haven't noticed, many people still prefer SUVs to cars, even with the gas prices, they are just moving to crossovers. The Prius is not significantly detracting from SUV sales. I think it is great to get these platforms out there. Perhaps there are plans for hybrid versions of these crossovers in the future. Nothing wrong with SUVs if people still want them, and apparently they do.

Anonymous

8 Years Ago

I have no clue why exactly Ford feels the need to build this Flex and kill the Interceptor or not bring over the Falcon or Mondeo. They are either vastly out of touch with the market, or completely oblivious to it. What's this behemoth gonna do? Replace the Expedition? Expedition-sized vehicles aren't moving like hotcakesany more.

I like Fords - I really do - but looking at their upcoming offerings I doubt I'll be buying another any time soon.

Anonymous

8 Years Ago

Uhh...if you havent noticed but the CUV market is booming. Also, this thing isnt even close to the size of an Expedition. So I dont see how Ford is oblivious.

And yes, they could have brought the Mondeo here. But why? They have a fairly new car called the Fusion. And I honestly doubt it would be cost effective to bring the Falcon here. If you havent noticed, Ford is a little tight on cash.

And Aki, are you dense? It's called competition. The more the merrier. Plus, I believe there are talks about killing the Taurus X in a couple years. There is a market for this type of vehicle...if you havent noticed. Not relevant? Well, former Explorer (or even Expedition) owners have something to opt for when they need a new vehicle to haul their family. I dont understand your thinking...

Anonymous

8 Years Ago

Like most, I think Flex is a less than desirable name.

Just for fun, why not put some woodgrain trim on the sides and call it a Country Squire?

Recycling a Ford (or Lincoln or Mercury) name from the past could certainly yield something more appropriate, if they aren't prevented from doing so. Recall that the also poorly named Freestyle was to be called Futura until PepBoys took them to court and won.

As for the vehicle itself, not bad in my opinion. A little boxy, but certainly functional. Think poorman's Volvo XC90 in a +1 size.